Head of Internal Audit

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to help the United Nations and its partners manage projects effectively and efficiently. UNOPS aims to provide sustainable project management solutions and support the implementation of projects that contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian response, and sustainable development. The organization operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of personnel, working collaboratively with various stakeholders including governments, NGOs, and private sector partners. UNOPS is committed to achieving high standards of governance, risk management, and accountability in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Head of Internal Audit is a pivotal role within the Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG) at UNOPS, reporting directly to the Director of IAIG. This position is responsible for leading a team that ensures UNOPS adheres to high standards of governance, risk management, and accountability. The Head of Internal Audit will oversee the execution of the annual Internal Audit Plan, which includes coordinating multiple internal audits and advisory engagements. The role requires a strategic approach to risk assessment and the ability to develop and implement audit plans that align with the organization's objectives. The Head of Internal Audit will also be responsible for quality assurance of audit reports, ensuring they meet public reporting standards, and will work closely with the Investigations team to address control gaps and prevent misconduct. This position demands a proactive leader who can foster teamwork, promote innovation, and ensure the continuous improvement of audit processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Internal Audit will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and monitoring the risk-based annual Internal Audit Plan, ensuring it is updated based on continuous risk assessments.
• Coordinating and executing up to 10 internal audits and 60 project audits annually, including advisory engagements.
• Leading audit field missions at various locations and UNOPS HQ, developing findings, and collaborating with auditees on management action plans.
• Quality assuring audit reports and overseeing the audit team to maintain high standards.
• Identifying control gaps in collaboration with the Investigations Section and proposing remedial actions.
• Conducting special assignments and management reviews, and providing training workshops to enhance capacity within UNOPS.
• Establishing annual work plans for the Internal Audit Team, setting objectives, and monitoring progress to ensure results are delivered as expected.
• Promoting a positive work environment and providing guidance and mentoring to team members to support their professional growth.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Accounting, Auditing, or Finance. A first-level degree (Bachelor or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Professional certification in a related field, such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is highly desired. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of auditing standards and practices, as well as familiarity with relevant tools and technologies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Auditing, or Finance. Candidates with a first-level degree may still qualify if they have additional professional experience. Professional certifications in auditing or accounting are highly regarded and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in auditing, with at least 5 years in a managerial role overseeing an audit team. Experience in leading, planning, and executing audits is essential, and prior experience within a UN organization, International Financial Institution, or Big 4 audit firms is desirable. Familiarity with project management tools and data analytics is considered an asset, as is experience in IT and cybersecurity audits, forensic audits, and artificial intelligence.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another United Nations language, such as French or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a P5 level staff contract with a fixed-term duration of one year, subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive work environment. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks. Additionally, candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS, which may require time commitment without compensation.